Founded in 1845 with an initial intake of 63 students in 1849, NUI Galway is now a thriving institution with over 17,000 students, of which over 2,000 are international students representing some 92 countries across the globe.

NUI Galway is a leading international, research-intensive university, ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. We have internationally recognised expertise in areas including Biomedical Science and Engineering, Web Science, Human Rights, Marine Science, Energy and Environmental Science, Applied Social Sciences and Public Policy, and Humanities, in particular literature, theatre and Irish Studies.

In 2011, we were ranked as Ireland's top University for student retention by the Sunday Times University Guide.

NUI Galway is also Ireland's top University for graduate employability with 96% of our graduates employed or in further study within six months of graduating.

Alistair McCall, Editor of the Sunday Times University Guide 2010 said:

"NUI Galway is the epitome of what third-level education should be about. Its graduates are sought after throughout Ireland and beyond, and the NUI Galway name is synonymous with high quality"

Highlights 2011-2012

These accolades highlight the tremendous achievement and endeavor which exists on our campus. Behind these major institutional plaudits lie the hard work and talent of many world leading teachers and researchers, which we in University leadership are determined to support and nurture. Some examples below will illustrate this:

NUI Galway has been awarded the top rating of stars in the latest QS Stars Rating system for its exceptional developments in education. The University's superb teaching and facilities also secured five stars.

NUI Galway has a reputation for real-world learning. More that two thirds of all programmes have either a placement, internship or a community engagement module built in so that students have the opportunity to put their learning into practice in a real world setting.

In July 2011, An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD, officially opened NUI Galway’s new Engineering Building, the largest of its kind in Ireland. The world-class teaching and research facility ushers in a new era for Engineering at the University, which has an excellent reputation in Engineering education. The building has been designed to be a teaching tool in itself, with exposed construction techniques and an array of ecological building methods

Our new €22 million Sports Centre encourages achievement by elite sports people and increased student well-being in the wider campus population.

Our purpose-built auditorium and cultural venue The Bailey Allen Wing enriches cultural life on campus and provides a world-class event and conference venue for Galway city.

Our strong record in Technology Transfer and Commercialisation has been recognised by Enterprise Ireland which ranks NUI Galway as the leading Irish university for patents and licensing agreements.

Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, has been associated with the University for almost 50 years. He entered the college as a student in 1962, serving as President of the Student Council and going on to become a highly regarded lecturer in Sociology & Politics for many years. He has served as Adjunct Professor at the University's Irish Centre for Human Rights since 2006.

For the Future

However, resting on our laurels is not an option. I continue to be ambitious for our University.

Despite a challenging economic climate, and with the tremendous support of friends and alumni, through Galway University Foundation, we will continue to build on this success. In September 2009 we published our Strategic Plan 2009 - 2014 which sets out our ambitious vision for development and partnership. Guided by a principle of excellence in key areas and informed by a spirit of strategic collaboration, I am confident we will achieve our vision.

Dr James J. Browne Uachtarán - President

NUI Galway President

Dr James J. Browne

Quick facts

NUI Galway has over:

17,000 students.

2,000 international students from 92 countries.

2,400 staff members.

120 links with universities across the globe.

90,000 alumni in 107 countries.

165 years experience providing university education.

NUI Galway is:

Ireland's top University for student retention - Sunday Times 2011.

Irelands's top Univerisity for graduate employability with 96% of our graduates employed or in further study within six months of graduating.

The largest and oldest university in the west of Ireland.

NUI Galway is world leading for research in:

Biomedical Science and Engineering

Web Science

Human Rights

Marine Science, Energy and Environmental Science

Applied Social Sciences and Public PolicyHumanities, in particular literature, Theatre and Irish Studies